Media Coalition Endorses Journalist Shield Law

Caroline Little, chief executive of the Newspaper Association of America, an organization serving as liaison between a coalition of media outlets and Congressional staffs crafting a federal media shield law, praised Thursday's passing in the the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 13-5.

"The Newspaper Association of America applauds the Senate Judiciary Committee for passing this shield law, which is a critical first step toward protecting the public's right to know. As recent events have clearly demonstrated, it is essential to protect both the freedom of the press and our national security through a balanced law that applies across all federal circuits. This bill will preserve the integrity of the news gathering process while still ensuring effective law enforcement. We believe this legislation deserves the continued bipartisan support of Congress, as it received in previous years."

Senator Chuck Schumer said after the vote in a statement that he's "hopeful that both parties can come together and pass it quickly on the Senate floor."

The broad media coalition supporting the amended media shield law bill includes the following: